A domino is a small rectangular wooden or plastic block that has one side bearing an arrangement of dots, similar to those on dice, and the other blank or identically patterned. It is used in various gaming activities. A similar term is “dominoes,” though this term is also sometimes applied to a set of matched tiles that are used to play certain card games.
The term is also used in reference to a sequence of events or an effect that results from the actions or reactions of other individuals or groups. For example, a politician who says, “The first domino fell,” means that an event that occurred was the initial step in a chain reaction that will have a larger impact.
Dominoes are usually arranged in rows or a line on a table or other flat surface, and they are played by placing them one at a time, with the open end of each domino facing up. The resulting layout is then “played” by placing another tile on top of it, either to its right or left (depending upon the game being played). The resulting layout is scored by awarding points based on the number of pips on opposing players’ tiles. For example, a tile with six spots on each end is counted as six, while a double-blank is considered to be zero.
Like a domino, a good story requires an initial action that can then trigger the reaction that propels the plot forward. This concept is called the “domino effect,” and it’s a key element of writing a compelling novel or short story. Whether you write your manuscript off the cuff or follow a detailed outline, considering the “domino effect” can help you craft a story with momentum that’s hard to stop reading.
Likewise, in business, the idea is to pick the right dominoes—those tasks that have a significant impact on your future success. These are typically large, challenging, or require a lot of your time and focus. These are the ones that you should prioritize and focus on before moving onto other tasks.
In his book “Dominoes,” author Jim Collins explains that you should always begin with the most important task of the day. He suggests that you rank each of your tasks on their impact and importance. Then, you should focus on that domino first and continue working on it until it is completed. Only then should you move on to the next task, and so on. In this way, you can ensure that each day you work on the most important tasks that will make the greatest impact on your success. The resulting momentum will carry you toward your goal. Achieving this is called being a “domino.” If you can master this skill, then your business will be one that knocks over its competition.